Just say "no" to radar for local police in Pa.: PennLive letters

The Pennsylvania Legislature just had a municipal radar hearing in Harrisburg. The radar bills do not require that speed limits be set to the 85th percentile free-flowing traffic speed, the best engineering standard. Many allow tickets at a mere six miles-per-hour over the limit. No safeguards against profiteering. No ticketing of slow drivers. No requirements to restrict use to high-crash areas or where engineering improvements were tried first.

Radar, moving radar, and lidar can also produce erroneous speed readings or even clock the wrong vehicle. This is well-known and even discussed in the operating manuals.

Radar is being advocated by police who want to use unmarked cars behind bushes to ticket many people. If you issue many tickets, the speed limit is too low.

Automated enforcement is also a hot topic. These cameras ticket various infractions. They are being banned around the nation and one company is undergoing a bribery investigation.

All of the above rely upon poor traffic engineering and predatory enforcement. Baltimore had many erroneous speed camera tickets. If you want real facts, check out the National Motorists Association.

I urge you to contact your state representative, state senator, and the governor and say you oppose municipal radar and all automated enforcement cameras for traffic offenses. Demand proper engineering.